Family Disputes Claim Of Home Invasion In Moorestown Man's Murder

MOORESTOWN, NJ — The family of the man killed in a Moorestown home over the weekend disputes the homeowner’s claim of a break-in and want him to be charged with murder. James R. Doyle, 26, of Moorestown, was pronounced dead at a house in the 700 block of Hartford Road in Moorestown early Sunday morning. He was identified by authorities Monday evening.

Joseph Doyle, 33, of Mount Laurel, told philly.com his brother was driven to the home by another man. He says he doesn’t know the second person, why they went to the house or if his brother knew the homeowner, who has not been identified. He also said investigators told him there was no forced entry.

But the homeowner has claimed Doyle was one of two men who broke into his house at about 12:23 a.m. early Sunday morning.

When police arrived on the scene, they found James Doyle unresponsive. He later died at the scene. The homeowner, who has not been charged with a crime, said he stabbed both intruders, and that one escaped before police arrived.

Doyle’s death was ruled a homicide during an autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood.

Detectives are investigating whether a man who arrived at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County in Willingboro later Sunday morning with a stab wound to the leg is connected to this incident.

Doyle’s family said he was “murdered senselessly and without question,” on a GoFundMe page set up to help handle funeral services and legal costs.

“He was an extremely bright light in all of our lives and we need your help to make sure true justice is served,” his family says on the page. “Our brother was an amazing person that touched so many lives far and wide in his short time on this earth. It has been a horrific week for all of us but we have to stay strong and make sure his legacy lives on forever and ever. We are so thankful for the support and love we have received and we hope you know the feeling is mutual. He was a rising star in the entertainment industry and worked extremely hard everyday at his craft. He was taken from us too early in his life and career. The family is dedicated to keeping his vision alive.”

The case is being investigated by the Moorestown Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators are Moorestown Police Detective Jason Burk and BCPO Detective Anthony Luyber. Officers from the Cinnaminson, Delran, Maple Shade and Mount Laurel police departments also responded to the call.

Anyone with information about this incident that would be helpful to investigators is asked to call Burlington County Central Communications at 609-265-7113.

Patch file photo